Chapter 4: Their Past
The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power
***
"Ravvvveen! Manganganak na ako!" Dinig na dinig ng anim na taong gulang na bata ang sigaw ng matalik na kaibigan ng Mommy niya sa kabilang bahay.
"Mom, narinig mo ba iyon?" Tanong ni Clyde sa kanyang Mommy habang hawak hawak ang kanyang laruang Robot.
"Goodness! Gene puntahan natin sina Raven. Maybe he's panicking right now." May pagaalalang sambit ni Sophie sa asawa niyang nagbabasa ng diyaryo.
Nagmamadaling pumunta ang pamilyang Fuentabella sa kanilang kapitbahay. Magbestfriend sina Sophie Fuentabella at Pauline Sinclaire mula noong highschool and they were inseparable despite having their own families.
Isa nang sikat na business woman ang dalawa nung makilala nila ang kani kanilang asawa at napagdesisyunang tumira sa isang Residential Village.
Nang makarating sila sa kabilang bahay ay nadatnan nilang bitbit ni Raven si Pauline, halata sa kanyang naguguluhan kung ano ang uunahing gawin.
"Pare, ayos ka lang?" tanong ng Daddy ni Clyde kay Raven.
"Yeah but Pau is in great pain. I don't know how to help relieve her pain." Sagot naman ni Raven.
"She's fine. That's normal because she's having her labor. Where's her maternity bags? We should go to the hospital now." Sagot naman ni Sophie.
Nagmamadaling isinakay ni Raven si Pauline sa kanilang sasakyan at dinala sa hospital samantalang sumunod sina Clyde dala ang gamit na naiwan dahil sa kawindangan ni Raven.
"Mommy, Tita Pau is having a baby right?" Tanong ni Clyde.
"Yes anak, you're going to have a sister so you have to be a good big brother ok?"
Clyde smiled widely, he always wanted someone to call him Kuya. "Yes Mommy, I'm so excited to see her already!" May siglang sambit nito sa kanila na siyang ikinatuwa ng magulang niya.
"Hay, I'm so glad at last they are blessed with a child. It's been ten years since they're married. Naunang nagpakasal ang dalawang iyon ng four years kesa sa atin pero nauna akong magbuntis sa kanya. They almost lost hope on having a kid." Nakangiting wika ni Sophie.
"Magaling kasi akong magshoot kaya naunahan natin sila." Gene retorted.
"Umayos ka nga Gene at nakikinig yang anak mo." Paninita ni Sophie at humalakhak lamang ito.
Pagdating nila sa hospital ay nagmamadali silang pumunta sa Information Desk.
"Miss, asan si Mrs. Pauline Sinclaire?" tanong ni Sophie.
"Kapapasok lang po niya sa Delivery Room Ma'am. Maghintay nalang kayo sa waiting area." Sagot ng nurse.
Nadatnan nila si Raven na palakad-lakad sa harap ng pintuan ng Delivery Room.
"Raven, we're here. How is Pauline?"
"They said that she's doing fine but my nerves are killing me Sophie. Is it really going to be fine? She's in so much pain." Nagaalalang sagot nito.
"Of course she's fine. She's Pauline remember? A simple giving birth will be a piece of cake for her." Pagpapatatag ng loob ni Sophie sa kanya.
"Oo nga pare, Pauline will be alright. Don't worry about it so much, trust me once you see your daughter, the pain is all worth it." Pagdadagdag ni Gene na bitbit ang natutulog na anak.
Pagkalipas ng dalawang oras ay bumukas na ang pinto ng Delivery Room at lumabas ang ulo ng pediatrician at sumilip sa pintuan.
"Mr. Sinclaire?" Tanong ng doktor.
"Yes! That would be me" Sagot ni Raven.
"Congratulations, you have a healthy baby girl though she's small for her age. Your wife will shortly be forwarded to your Private Room. In the mean time you could check your daughter in the Nursery." Pagpapaliwanag ng doktor
"Thank you Doc"
"Should we go and see on your daughter Raven?"
Umiling si Raven at ngumiti "I want to see her with Pauline" at napangiti naman si Sophie, Pauline is so lucky to have Raven.
Pagkalipas ng ilang oras ay nagising na si Pauline at agad nila itong kinamusta.
"Raven, how is she?" Tanong agad ni Pauline.
"The doctor said she's fine, I wanted to see her with you" Maluhaluhang sagot ni Raven at giawaran ito ng halik.
"Congratulations Pauline, you both deserve this blessing" bati ni Sophie at niyakap ang matalik na kaibigan.
"Thank you Sophie, si Clyde?"
"Ito nakatulog sa kakahintay ng baby sister niya" sagot ni Gene habang bitbit ang anak na nagpangiti kay Pauline at Raven.
Tumawag sila ng nurse at nakiusap na dalhin ang sangol sa kwarto upang makita ng magasawa. Pagdating ng baby ay agad itong kinalong ni Raven at itinabi kay Pauline.
"She's so beautiful love" naluluhang puri ni Raven at hinalikan ang kamay ng asawa.
"I know that's why I named her Eiffel."
"Eiffel?" Tanong ni Sophie.
"Yes, I got that from the place where Raven proposed to me" Sagot ni Pauline.
"You mean at the Eiffel Tower?" amazed na singit ni Gene at tumawa.
"Yes, I named her Eiffel Earl Dela Fuente Sinclaire. Is that alright love?" Tanong ni Tito
Napatigil si Raven pero ngumiti din agad "Of course my love. It's a beautiful name that holds lovely memories for the both of us" pagsangayon naman ni Raven.
Unti unting nagising si Clyde na nakatulog habang bitbit ng ama niya.
"Hi Kuya Clyde, it's a good thing you're awake now" bati ni Sophie sa anak.
"Mommy?" tugon ni Clyde habang kinukusot ang mata.
"Come here Clyde, look at your new sister" Pauline smiled and gestured him to sit on the bed.
Maingat na pinaupo siya ng Daddy niya at pinakita ang baby na yakap yakap ni Pauline.
"Tita Pau she's so tiny" nakapout na comment ni Clyde which made the adults chuckle.
"That's normal, she'll grow up after a few years" explain ni Raven at hinimas ang ulo ni Clyde.
"Really? Then can I play Robo Cop with her?" excited na tanong ni Clyde at tinaas pa ang dala dalang laruan na tinawanan nilang lahat.
"Yes Clyde you can play with her as long as you like but not Robot toys ok?" Nakangiting sambit ni Sophie.
Then, for the very first time, the sleeping baby opened her eyes which made all the adults gasped.
Beautiful and breathtaking blue like gem eyes met the gaze of the young Clyde.
The six-year-old boy for the very first time felt weird inside his heart.
He was like gazing at the blue sky as he looks at those pair of innocent blue eyes.
"Mommy, why is her eyes not black like me?" Clyde tilted his head and saw his Tita Pauline crying.
"R-Raven... her eyes. She got your eyes my love" tuwang tuwa na saad ni Pauline at niyakap ang asawa.
"A Sinclaire love, she's a Sinclaire through and through" Raven can't help but to be proud seeing that his lineage still continues and it's his daughter who inherited the sign of the Sinclaire's family.
Muling binalik ni Clyde ang tingin sa pinakamagandang matang kanyang nakita "Hi there Eiffel, it's me your Kuya Clyde" bati ng anim na taong bata at hinawakan ang kamay ng sangol na tila tumatawa ang mga mata sa saya.
'''
After that, 7 years has past and Eiffel grew up into a beautiful young girl. She got her mother's curly black hair and her father's blue eyes which made her look like a doll.
Clyde who is now already 13 fulfilled his promise and grew up with her as her Kuya.
Tahimik na nagdradrawing si Eiffel sa lapag nang sala ng bahay ng mga Fuentabella, tuwing ganitong oras ay makikita na siya ng lahat na tumatambay dito at may hinihintay.
Biglang dumilim ang paningin niya dahil sa dalawang kamay na tumakip sa mata niya
"Sino to?"
Eiffel smiled widely.
"Hmmm... Patrick?"
Nawala ang mga kamay na tumakip sa kanya at nakita ang nakapamewang na Kuya Clyde niya.
"Sinong Patrick yun Eiffel?"
Mas lumawak ang ngiti ni Eiffel at hindi sinagot ang iniinis na Kuya.
Umupo din sa sahig si Clyde at kinalabit sa balikat ang pitong taong gulang na bata.
"UY! Sino nga yung Patrick na iyon Eiffel?!"
"Yung new playmate at Kuya ko" sagot niya at nanlaki ang mga mata ni Clyde.
"ANO! Playmate? Kuya? Bakit may ganoon ka e andito naman ako ah!" reklamo ni Clyde at dinuro ang sarili.
"Hmp! Wala ka naman nang time to play with me eh. Mama said that you are busy with your guy friends and studies" nagtatampong ngumuso si Eiffel na mas nakadagdag sa pagiging cute niya.
"Ganoon talaga kasi nga highschool na ako Eiffel pero umuuwi naman ako agad para makapaglaro kasama mo" explain ni Clyde. Laging siyang niyaya ng mga kaibigan niyang lalaki na maglaro sa arcade o kaya kumain sa mall pero lahat ay tinatangihan lamang niya at palaging nagmamadaling umuwi para lamang makasama ang batang ito.
"Bakit ba di mo ako sama sa school mo? Sabi ni teacher ko matalino ako" pagmamalaki ni Eiffel.
"Kasi nga maliit ka pa, oh ganito nalang, uuwi ako ng mas maaga pa bukas! Wag ka nang magtampo kasi di naman kita iiwan eh, laging andito lang si Kuya Clyde" nakataas ang kaliwang kamay na pangako niya.
"Really?" Eiffel asked adoringly with her blue eyes.
"Promise! Kaya wag ka nang sasamang maglaro dun sa Patrick na iyon o kahit kanino man ha?"
Napaisip muna si Eiffel "Hmmm..."
"Oh! Bakit ayaw mo? Crush mo ba iyon?!" medyo tumaas na ang boses na tanong ni Clyde. Medyo tumangkad na ito at nasa stage ng paglalim ng boses. Simula tumuntong ito ng highschool ay lapitin na ito ng mga babae.
"Anong crush? Anong pinaguusapana niyo diyan at nakakarinig ako ng salitang crush?" biglang tanong ni Sophie na kakapasok lang sa bahay nila at may dala dalang paper bags.
"Tita!" magiliw na tumayo si Eiffel at niyakap ang paboritong tiyahin.
"Andito nanaman ang pinakamagandang pamangkin ko! Hinintay mo nanaman ba ng Kuya Clyde mo? Sige sulitin mo pa hangat wala pa yang girlfriend kasi pag nagkataon wala na yang oras para sa iyo" kwento ni Sophie.
"Mom!" inis na sita ni Clyde na tinawanan lamang ni Sophie habang inaayos ang mga pinamili sa may kusina habang sumunod ang dalawa.
Umupo sa lamesa si Eiffel "Girlfriend? What's girlfriend Tita?"
"Yung gustong makasama ng isang boy lagi, yung love niya at laging pinoprotektahan niya" sagot ni Sophie at binigyan ng juice sa baso ang dalawa.
Uminom si Eiffel at muli itong tiningnan "so does that mean I'm Kuya Clyde's girlfriend?" tanong niya muli na dahilan ng biglang pagkabilaukan ng nasabing binatilyo.
Inihit ng ubo si Clyde at agad nilapitan ito ni Eiffel "No! Of course not!"
"Huh? So hindi mo ako love? Ayaw mo ko laging kasama?" kumikibot ang mapupulang labi ni Eiffel sa sunod sunod na tanong niya!
Biglang nataranta si Clyde at umuklo para buhatin ito.
Kahit sa edad nitong pitong gulang ay napakaliit parin nito kaya walang kahirap hirap na nabuhat siya ni Clyde.
"Siyempre love kita! Little sister nga kita diba?" pagaalo niya kay Eiffel.
"Yehey! Girlfriend mo nga ako!"
Napahilot naman sa batok si Clyde habang tinatawanan lamang ito ng ina.
"You two are adorable as always. Sige na at maglaro na kayo nang makapagluto na ako" pagtataboy ni Sophie.
Nagpunta ang dalawa sa may sala at nagsimula nang maglaro, kahit na ayaw man ni Clyde ay napilitan siyang maglaro ng Barbie kasama ang pinakamamahal na kapatid.
Pumasok sa backdoor ng kusina si Pauline at nakangiting nilapitan ang best friend.
"Andito nanaman ba ang prinsesa ko?'
Kibitbalikat na sumagot si Sophie habang nagluluto "alam mo naman ang dalawang iyon, halos magkadikit na ang bituka at hindi mapaghiwalay"
"Mga bata pa kasi, hayaan na lang natin"
"Naku Pauline Dela Fuente Sinclaire, ibigay mo na kasi ang anak niyo sa anak namin! Halata namang mahal na mahal siya ng binata ko" joke ni Sophie.
Napangalumbabaw naman sa lamesa si Pauline "Yan din sana ang nais ko Sophie, napakadami nang nagooffer ng engagement para sa anak namin ni Raven. Hindi ko inakala na hangang dito sa Pilipinas ay hahabulin kami"
"Abah, ang lamang lang naman ng mga iyon sa anak ko ay ang dugong bughaw nila. Hindi hamak naman na mas maalagaan ni Clyde si Eiffel pag lumaki na sila"
Pauline smiled as she glances at the two kids.
Eiffel was sitting backwards from her Kuya Clyde as he combs her hair. Contentment and happiness can be seen from the two kids which brought warmth to Pauline's heart.
Bilang isang ina, masasabi niyang mapapanatag nga ang loob niya kung sa batang lalaking ito niya ibibigay ang nagiisang prinsesa ng kanyang pamilya.
"Darating din tayo diyan Sophie, panigurado ay walang hihigit na lalaki sa buhay ng anak ko maliban sa anak mo"
'''
"Eiffel, can I have a word with you princess?" tanong ni Raven pagkapasok niya sa kuwarto ng kanyang unica iha.
"Sure Papa, what is it?" sagot ni Eiffel at inalapag ang sketch pad niya.
"I told you to call me Daddy. Ikaw talaga." Nakangiting paalala ni Raven at umupo sa kama nito. Mabilis na humiga si Eiffel at umunana sa kandungan ng ama.
"But I like it more when I call you Papa, it sounds less childish" Eiffel remarked.
Iiling-iling si Raven na hinimas ang mahabang buhok ng anak.
Since Eiffel was small, everyone noticed how different she is from other kids, Eiffel was too intelligent for her age and after being examined, they found out that she was a genius with an IQ of 180.
Pauline and Raven were both anxious after being told so by the psychiatrist. Yes, they were amazed but then worried at the same time for their only daughter might not have a normal childhood so they always tell her to enjoy her childhood as it last.
Everybody whom Eiffel knows likes her. They say because she's charming trying to think like an adult even though she's still a little girl but she's not even trying.
Eiffel just do understand them.
"Princess, you know that Daddy and your Grandpa have not talked for a long time right?"
"Yes Papa, Mama always tell me about your story. About how you two fought for your love and that grandpa forbids you to see him since you married my Mama." She responded.
"Yes princess but do you want to see him? Your Grandpa?" he asked analyzing his daughter's reaction.
"Of course Papa! I've been dying to meet Grandpa ever since!"Excited niyang sambit.
"What if I tell you that Grandpa called Daddy and that he said he wants to meet us immediately. Would you like to go to Britain and see grandpa?" He insinuated further more.
"We will go to him? When? Im so excited!" full of eager na tanong ni Eiffel at napaupo.
Napangiti si Raven sa sagot ng anak pero agad din iyong nawala. "Our flight is this night. But princess there's something else that I want to tell you before going."
"What is it Papa?"
"He's sick and dying." He sadly revealed.
Biglang natahimik si Eiffel, shocked with his revealations.
"Eiffel, princess? Are you alright?" nagaalalang tanong ni Raven.
"I'm fine Papa. I'm sorry about the news. It must be devastating for you when you heard such news after so many years of having no communication. I think we should hurry and pack our luggage so we could leave early." he looked shock, not expecting my answers but he smiled and stroked my head.
"Alright darling. I know you would understand our sudden departure. Say your goodbye to your Kuya Clyde. We may not be back here soon" natigil si Eifffel sa sinabi ng ama but tried her best not to show it.
After Raven left her room, she went outside their house and went to her neighborhood. The maids didn't bother asking the little girl why she was there because it was a common thing to see.
Nadatnan niyang nakaupo sa kama nito ang hinahanap na binatilyo at nagsusulat. "O Eiffel, bakit malungkot yang mukha mo?" tanong ni Clyde nang mapansin siya nito.
"Kuya? What happened to your face?" tanong ni Eiffel at pumasok na sa kuwarto.
Napahawak si Clyde sa sulok ng labi niyang may band aid.
"W-Wala. Nadulas lang ako kanina" nakangiwing palusot ni Clyde.
Lingid sa kaalaman ni Eiffel ay hinunting ni Clyde sa buong Residential Village nila kanina si Patrick, ang nasabing kalaro ni Eiffel.
The boy was only three years older than Eiffel who obviously has a crush on her and after warning him to get away from Eiffel, he suddenly punched Clyde which made him punched Patrick harder that brought him to sleep earlier.
Katatapos lamang niyang lagyan ng ekis ang pangalan ni Patrick sa black list notebook niya na sekreto niyang sinusulatan ng mga pangalan ng mga taong nais niyang ilayo mula kay Eiffel. Halos mapuno na nga ang notebook niya ng mga pangalan ng mga batang lalaking nakatira rin sa kanilang village.
Ngayon ang tanging problema nalang ni Clyde ay kung paano nito mapipigilan ang pagkikita ng dalawa para hindi makapagsumbong si Patrick kay Eiffel.
Paano niya kaya maitatago si Eiffel? Should he just absent and play with her the whole day?
Umupo si Eiffel sa kama at hinawakan ang labi ni Clyde "Does it hurt?"
Umiling si Clyde "Not anymore"
Laking gulat niya ng biglang tumulo ang mga luha mula sa mga asul na mata ng kababata.
Walang pasabi sabi ay niyakap niya agad si Eiffel at hinimas ang mahabang buhok. Ganito palagi ang ginagawa niya pag umiiyak si Eiffel o kaya nagkatampuhan sila dahil sa ibang bagay. Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay ikinuwento na sa kanya ang napagusapan nito kasama ng ama.
"Hanggang kelan kayo doon?" Malungkot niyang tanong.
The sudden news brought sadness in his heart.
"Maybe a year? I don't know."
"You should worry about your Dad. He might must be suffering right now."
Biglang niyakap muli ni Eiffel si Clyde ng mahigpit. Napangiti si Clyde at niyakap pabalik ang munting bata.
"I know that. But I want you to know that even though I'm away, I'll always think of you Kuya. Don't forget about me ok?"
"Of course! You're my princess silly."
Niyakap siyang muli ng sobrang higpit.
Alam ni Eiffel na hindi pa iyon ang huli nilang pagkikita pero nararamdaman niyang sa muli nilang pagtatagpo ay may pagbabagong mangyayari...
And she is so scared…
Having six years of gap was a big struggle to the both of them. All this time ay buong giting niyang hinahabol ang kuya Clyde niya samantalang hirap namang nagaadjust at naghihintay si Clyde para kay Eiffel.
Clyde was the reason kung bakit pilit nagpapakamature si Eiffel because Eiffel thought that she will be one step closer to the growing Clyde.
And now, they will be separated for God knows how long.
'''
Nang gabing iyon ay umalis ang pamilyang Sinclaire papunta sa Europa. They had their flight tin the first class cabin of the aircraft and was surrounded by so many guards. Paglapag ng eroplano ay may kumpol na maraming tao ang naghihintay sa kanila. Kanya-kanya ang dala nilang mikropono at camera at sabay-sabay magtanong.
"Mama, who are they?" tumingala si Eiffel sa Mama niya. Imbes na sagutin siya ay tinalakbong siya ng coat ng ina.
Biglang nahawi ang mga tao ng mga lalaking nakaamerikanang itim at nakashades.
"My lord, please come this way. We already prepared your vehicle." Sabi noong isa.
"My lord! Is it true? Has the Count of Campbell already announced that you'll inherit his tittle? What about your business in the Philippines? Will you give it up so that you could concentrate in being the Count?"Sunod-sunod na tanong ng mga reporters.
Hindi sila pinansin ni Raven at dirediretso lang ang lakad habang inaalalayan niya kanyang magina.
Nang makasakay sila sa sasakyan ay saka ito nagsalita.
"Papa, will you tell me something about what happened earlier?"
"Haah...I know the time will come when I tell you the truth but I didnt know it would be this soon." Saad ni Raven at napatingin kay Pauline.
"Tell me Papa, I want to know. I don't wanna be a burden without knowing a thing"
Makalipas ang ilang sandaling pananahimik ay nagsalita si Pauline. Buong biyahe itong tahimik at alam ni Raven na nagaalala ito sa mga mangyayari.
"Love, you know that this will happen eventually and I think Eiffel is intelligent enough to make her decisions. Remember that shes no common girl. She's our girl" may kompyansang sabat ni Pauline.
Lumingon si Raven sa anak at matamang tinitigan.
"Eiffel, my name isn't just Raven Sinclaire. I am Lord Raven Sinclaire. The supposedly next Count of the House of Campbell which is one of the richest family here in Britain owning vast lands of vineyards, ranches and farms. And your Grandpa who is the current Count is sick and wants to meet us." Malungkot na eksplika ni Raven.
Nanahimik si Eiffel at napatingin sa kanyang kapaligiran.
Nagkatinginan ang magasawa at hinihintay kung ano ang masasabi ng kanilang anak sa mga biglaang rebelasyon.
Simula tumira si Raven kasma si Puline sa Pilipinas ay kinalimutan na niya ang pagiging aristokrato. He preferred living a simple yet happy life with his family and since his father already cut all his ties to the family, he thought that their daughter doesn't need to know the truth.
Kasalukuyan silang papasok sa isang magarbong gate. Napakahaba pa ng kanilang binyahe bago matanaw ang isang napakalaking lumang mansyon. Sa harap ay may isang malaking fountain at ang paligid ay napapalibutan ng napakagandang mga bulaklak at matataas na puno na nagbibigay lilim sa driveway.
Pagbaba nila ng sasakyan ay binati sila ng mga nakahilerang maids at butlers. It was Eiffel's first time seeing things like this.
"Welcome back Lord Raven, Lady Pauline"
May lumapit na matandang babae at lalaki sa kanila at yumukod.
"Lord Raven, it's a pleasure to have you back. I hope you still remember me." Puna ng matandang babae.
"Of course headmaid Susan. How could I forget such a lovely lady like you" tugon ni Raven at bahagyang yumukod din.
"Still a tease I see. Lady Pauline, welcome to The Pride. If you have any concerns here, please tell me and I'll make sure to have it done immediately" ubod na galang na saad nito kay Pauline.
"Thank you head maid Susan. I'll remember that. Eiffel, come and great them" nakangiting tawag niya sa anak.
"Hello everyone, I'm Eiffel Earl Sinclaire. I hope we could be good friends Mrs. Head-maid" Eiffel introduced herself fluently with a smile.
"Such a charming beautiful Lady you have given us My Lord. It's a pleasure to be a service to you Lady Eiffel. Would you like a tour later?"
Umiling si Eiffel at hinawakan ang ama.
"I'm afraid I have to decline, I honestly want to meet his Excellency immediately for we have so little time to catch up. There still a time later for the tour, yes?" bakas ang pagkabigla sa mukha ng mga taong nakapaligid sa sagot na ibinigay niya.
Napatigil naman si Eiffel, may mali ba siyang nasabi?
"You sure do princess. Let's get inside and see grandpa" proud na binitbit siya ng ama.
"I'm sorry if my child answer has offended you in some ways Mrs Susan. She always have such different outlook about things and always act like an adult would" Pauline explained.
"No my lady, none taken at all. I was quite impressed of her wit and reminds me so much of Lord Raven when he was her age. Also that face, I'm sure master would be delighted to meet her. A Sinclaire through and through." And the old woman looked at Eiffel dearingly.
Nang makarating sila sa tapat ng kwarto ng Konde ay nagkatinginan silang magama.
"You can do this Papa. You have me in there so please don't be stubborn and approach Grandpa nicely ok?" full support na bilin ni Eiffel.
Kumunot ang noo ni Raven habang nakatingin sa anak "Sometimes princess, when we talk I don't know who the older one is."
"It's because sometimes you're the one's who acts as the child between us." Sagot niya pabalik at siya pa mismo ang kumatok.
Pinagbuksan sila ng isang doctor.
"Is that them already?" Sabi ng isang boses.
"Yes my Lord"
"Let them enter. I want to see them"
Halos ayaw pumasok ni Raven at kinailangan pang hilain papasok ng magina. Pagkita ni Raven ay lumapit ito sa taong nahihimlay sa kama.
"My Lord. I have come home. As you wished I brought you my wife and daughter." Puno ng galang na sambit ni Raven at lumuhod.
"My lord, it's a pleasure to grace your presence. This is Eiffel, our daughter." Segundo ni Pauline at hinawakan ang balikat ng anak.
"Can you please come closer Eiffel?" pakiusap ng Konde.
Lumapit si Eiffel sa higaan upang makitang mabuti ng kanyang lolo. Matanda na at kitang kita na nanghihina na siya ngunit hindi pa rin nawawala ang kanyang pagiging matatag. Nang makalapit siya ng sapat sa kanyang lolo ay hinawakan niya ang palda ng kanyang bestida at yumukod upang magbigay galang sa conde. Kitang kita ang pagkamangha ng matanda at kasiyahan sa kanyang magulang.
"My lord, I'm grateful for your invitation to meet a mere girl like me. I'm always looking forward to meet you and am happy to have meet you at long last."
Napangiti ang Kondeng tumingin sa kanya. The moment the old man's eyes met the same blue eyes of the small girl in front of him, he felt happy and proud at the same time.
"My lady, it is I who was so anxious to meet you. Such a beautiful lady that graced me her presence. I am glad your father had taught you well." puno ng aliw ang makikita sa mga asul na mata ng Konde habang nakatitig din sa parehang kulay na mata ng nagiisang apo.
"I see you got our family's eyes my fair Lady" May ngiti sa mga labing lumingon ito kay Raven.
"The 16th Countess is a very bright girl don't you think my son?" magiliw na tanong nito kay Raven.
Nabigla si Raven sa sinabi ng sariling ama. Kay tagal niyang hindi narinig na tawagin siyang anak ng amang pinagtabuyan siya. And that's not all of it, his father just recognized his daughter as the next heiress of the family.
"Dad..." Maluhaluhang sambit ni Raven.
"Don't cry son. I know my time has finally come. I don't want that the next Count to be a crybaby. Look at your daughter, so beautiful. I'm pleased to know that I don't have to worry about the looks of my great grandchildren 'cause they will be as beautiful as you Eiffel. I don't have any complains" humahalakhak na sambit nito.
"The documents have already been processed Raven. Take care of our lineage alright? I'll be watching your progress son."
After a few minutes, the Count passed away silently and peacefully with a wide smile etched on his face. ...
'''
"Raven is now the 15th Count, Gene" pagbibigay alam ni Sophie at pinakita ang hawak na diyaryo sa asawa. Saktong isang buwan na ang nakakalipas ng umalis sina Raven at Pauline kasama ang kanilang anak pabalik sa Europa.
"Nothing to be surprised of Sophie, we were already aware of that possible circumstances since he was the only son of the late Count" sagot ni Gene habang tinitignan ang diyaryong binigay ng asawa.
Napatigil si Clyde sa paglalakad ng marinig niya ang usapan ng kanyang mga magulang, pinili niyang magtago sa likod ng pader at makinig ng palihim.
Napasinghap naman si Sophie at nanghihinang napaupo sa tabi ni Gene "Then Eiffel..."
"Siguro, siya ang nagiisang anak ng bagong Konde. Panigurado ay sasanayin na rin siya bilang susunod na Kondesa mahal"
"Ito na nga ba ang ikinatatakot ng kaibigan ko Hon. For sure ay madami nang hihingi sa kamay ni Eiffel para sa kasal!" Sofie exclaimed.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Clyde sa narinig.
Kasal?
Wait, Eiffel is only a child right?!
"Marahil nga, you know it's a common thing to them right? Engagement to bind aristocrat families was always been practiced before. Si Raven lang naman ang bumuwag sa kaugalian ng pamilya nila at dahil doon ay bumaba ang estado ng mga Sinclaire, now it's all up to Eiffel on how she will redeem her family's prestige"
"Through what ways? Marriage?! How about our son? He will be left by her, alam naman nating lahat kung gaano kamahal ni Clyde si Eiffel"
"Hon, Clyde and Eiffel are just kids, wala pa sa isip nila ang ganyang bagay, and we don't even know if Clyde really do loves her the way you are insinuating" pagpapakalma ni Gene sa asawa.
"He does Gene, our son loves Eiffel and I will bet everything I have in it" she insisted and knowing his wife, Gene tried to knock some senses on her.
"Ok, so how can you tell Sophie?"
Umupo si Sophie sa kandungan ng asawa at hinawakan ang dalawang pisngi.
"Because the way Clyde look at Eiffel is the same way you look at me" seryosong sagot nito at nagpakawala na lamang ng malalim na hinga si Gene. Who is he to question his own wife who raised his son?
"Wala na tayong magagawa Sophie, Clyde doesn't have aristocrat blood like Eiffel. They are just not in the same world"
Nanghihina ang mga tuhod na nagtungo si Clyde sa sarili niyang kuwarto. All he wanted is to be with that six-year-old girl forever, he doesn't even know what to call those feelings are but for him, he just wanted to keep on living with that girl and now, he learned something that gave pain to his heart so much.
Simula nagkaisip siya ay gusto niyang maging successful businessman tulad ng Daddy niya para katulad ng ama niya ay masuportahan din niya si Eiffel paglaki nila. Pero ngayon ay tila wala na siyang rason pa. Wala na siyang rason pa na mangarap para sa kanila kasi hindi maaari. Dahil tulad nga ng nasabi ng magulang niya, hindi siya isang aristokrato.
That they don't belong to the same world.
Tears fell from his eyes.
So this was the reality? Eiffel and his reality?
'"''
"We have now landed at NAIA Terminal 2. Please remain seated. Thank you for choosing KLM Royal Dutch. We look forward to see you again in your next trip" pahayag ng Flight Attendant.
Nang makababa sila ng eroplano at makuha ang lahat ng kanilang bagahe ay agad silang lumabas ng Airport. Pagkalabas ng pamilya ay may narinig silang tumawag.
"Pauline! Pau, were here!" Sigaw ni Sophie.
"Sophie! Oh my, I missed you so much!" Patakbong nagyakapan ang magkaibigan.
Nagkamayan naman at nagbatian sina Raven at Gene habang si Eiffel na ngayon ay labing isang taong gulang na ay tinatanaw kung may susulpot pa sa likuran ng magasawang Fuentabella.
"Eiffel? Is this really Eiffel? That young beautiful little girl? She's much prettier than the last time we saw her. Do you still remember me Eiffel? It's me, your Tita Sophie." Tuwang tuwa na hinawakan nito ang kamay ko.
"Of course I remember you Tita Sophie. How could I forget my most favorite Tita in the world?"
"You're still such a flatterer young Lady. I missed you a lot" at nangigigil na niyakap siya nito.
"Where is Clyde Gene? Is he in your car? He should have come with you than waiting there" nagtatakang saad ni Raven.
"Oh pare, hes not here. He didn't come 'cause he's hanging out with his friend. You know how it is to be a teen. But you'll see him later don't you worry. I'm sure he'll be surprised how prettier Eiffel is now." Tugon ni Gene and patted Eiffel's head.
"Is that so? Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."
Habang nasa byahe ay patuloy sila ng pagkukwentuhan.
"You know Pau, you're so lucky Eiffel is a good kid. I think my Clyde is going through his Rebellious Stage right now. He's always not at home and frequent on clubs if not a friends' house. Though I'm happy that he doesn't sacrifice his studies, but he became a totally different person these past 3 years." Kwento ni Sophie.
"Really? I think that's a bit hard on you. I can't imagine Clyde being like that. Maybe something happened. Heartbroken perhaps?" pilyong puna ni Pauline.
"Hahaha, sana nga't ganung lang yon. Too bad dahil hindi na tayo magkapit bahay Pau, Raven. Kinailangan naming lumipat ng bahay na mas malapit sa kompanya" singit ni Gene.
"It's ok pare, umalis na din naman kami sa Residential Village, pwede naman namin kayong bisitahin or vice versa" sagot ni Raven.
Pagkarating nila sa bagong mansyon na binili nila Raven at Pauline ay sinalubong sila ng mga kasambahay. Lumapit sila sa kanila at sabay sabay na binati.
"Maligayang pagbabalik Senyor, Senyora" bati ng mga maids at guards.
"We're back everyone. Kamusta ang paglilipat ng mga gamit?" Sabi ni Raven at pumasok na sa loob ng bagong bahay.
"Ilang lingo man po ang tinagal ng paglilipat ngunit naayos na po ang lahat senyor. Naghanda po kami ng makakain."
"Maraming salamat Manang Rossy" Sabi ni Pauline sa mayordoma. Bumitaw sa pagkakahawak ng kamay si Eiffel mulasa kanyang ama at lumapit sa matandang katulong.
"Yaya Rossy, I'm back" bati ni Eiffel at niyakap ang tagapagalaga.
"Naku po! Eiffel? Ikaw ba yan dene? Pagkaganda-ganda na ng alaga ko!" tuwang tuwang pahayag nito.
"Yaya Rossy, ikaw talaga napakabolera." Natatawang sabi niya.
"Naku senyora, kelangan nating bantayang maige ang alaga ko paglaki! Madaming manliligaw dito paglipas lang nang ilang taon tyak ako."
"Yaya, matagal pa po iyon. Mom, can I go out for a bit? I think I need some fresh air"
"Ok but be back immediately. We'll have our lunch after some short rest." Bilin ni Pauline pagkatapos noon ay magkayakap silang pumanhik sa kanilang kwarto ni Raven.
Nagbalik sila dito sa Pilipinas upang maghanap ng makakapagpagaling kay Raven. They found out that he's been sick a year ago and they've been to many specialists abroad pero wala silang nagawa. Maraming nangyari sa loob ng tatlong taon.
Mula nang mamatay ang panglabing apat na Konde ay naging hectic ang schedule ng kanilang pamilya. Halos hindi na makita ni Eiffel ang mga magulang sa loob ng isang buwan dahil sa kani-kanilang trabaho. Siya naman ay napilitang magaral kung paano maging isang aristokrata bilang susunod na tagapagmana ng kanilang pamilya. Kahit hindi man niya nais ay mas napilitan si Eiffel na magpakamature dahil sa bagong binbing responsibilidad.
Naglalakad siya sa gilid ng kalsada habang nakatigitig sa kapaligiran ng bagong bahay, mas gusto niyang bumalik sa dati nilang bahay pero dahil wala na ang pamilyang Fuentabella doon ay wala naman na daw silang rason pa.
Napatigil siya sa paglalakad ng biglang napatingin siya sa binatilyong nakatayo sa harap niya.
She wanted to run towards him and hug him tightly, goodness! It's been three dreadful years!
Pero tila sa paraan ng pagtingin nito sa kanya ay parang binabalaan siyang wag lumapit dito. Nakabulsa ang dalawang kamay nito sa kupas at may punit sa tuhod na jeans, nakasuot siya ng itim na shirt at may dalawang piercing sa kaliwang tenga, habang nakakabit na headphones sa kanyang leeg.
Pinagmasdan ni Eiffel ang mukha nito. Mahahabang pilikmata, matangos na ilong at manipis na mamulamulang labi. Mas lalong lumutang ang kagwapuhan niya dahil sa korean style na gupit ng kanyang buhok na tila nagbigay ng mysterious effect sa kanya.
"I missed you Kuya" nakangiting saad ni Eiffel.
Hindi ito sumagot at patuloy pa rin siyang tinitigan na puno ng lamig at distanysa.
Biglan nakaramdam ng kirot sa dibdib niya si Eiffel ng daanan lamang siya nito.
"I guess that the Kuya I know is no longer but a good memory." Nakangiti habang maluhaluha niyang sambit pagkatapat nito sa kanya.
And that was the last time she saw him again. Whenever her Tita Sohpie and Tito Gene visits them ay hindi na siya nageexpect na kasama nila ang anak.
It's so sad... he is already seventeen and no longer a child while she is still eleven. Kaya siguro nagiba na ang pananaw nito sa buhay.
But Eiffel always wished to go back to those old times, where he and she smile at each other.
''''